Where can I find some, and how long should I go?

[brainpause]

Thought that title might catch your eye.

I've read the suspension threads until I'm blue in the face. I don't want fancy racing stuff, lowering, lifting, etc.

I just want to (eventually, not sure when) replace my front struts, and return it to stock ride. Although I am considering a rear sway bar (thanks to Nashville's I-440).

I was FINALLY able to find the front struts, Genuine GM, at chevypartsprime.com. I had previously bought parts from them when they were gmpartseast.com, and was happy with their service. I was surprised that places like Rockauto, AutoAnything, and online local parts stores didn't have them at all.

So, 3 questions:
1) At how many miles are you replacing the front struts?
2) At how many miles are you replacing rear shocks?
3) Will the springs need replacing on the front?

My car's odometer only has 41k on it, but the car has over 56k miles because it was towed behind new RV's for delivery.

Larry

 

[ecohauler]

Springs should never need to be replaced, though I have heard of them breaking or sagging on other vehicles after a long time. Shocks and struts do wear out. Replace them when they fail the bounce test or have visible oil leaks.

 

[brainpause]

Thanks.

I did replace the struts and springs a few months ago, on a 2000 Toyota Avalon with 225K on the clock. Struts were tired, and I'm sure the springs were original, so I replaced them altogether. Made installation easier too, with the pre-built assemblies. Then I proceeded to total the car a month or two after that. Boo. Hiss.

Anyway, I didn't anticipate having to replace the springs, like you said.

Why don't the other parts places that I listed in the OP carry struts for a '14 Sonic?

Larry

 

[ecohauler]

GM changed the part number in 2014. I'm sure it's mechanically very similar if not identical. The online parts stores just don't want to promise fitment until they can verify it, and they're generally not in a hurry to list struts for a car that's only 2 years old. I'm sure you can use the 2012-13 struts if you need to, and they'll list struts for your car in the next year or two if not.

Interestingly, the 2014 strut is about $20 more than the 2012 strut on GMPartsDirect. I'm not sure what to make of that. Maybe the valving is upgraded in some way.